Paul Lewis/WASHINGTON DC
Sikorsky has delayed certification and first delivery of the S-92 to late next year due to international demonstration activity and flight test delays. Meanwhile, the US company will upgrade the S-76 helicopter's avionics, powerplant and dynamic components.
The manufacturer was aiming for Federal Aviation Administration airworthiness certification by early next year, followed by Transport Canada certification and deliveries of the first 19-seater to launch customer Nova Scotia-based Cougar Helicopters. International sales and marketing efforts have slowed design changes.
"We have got behind schedule," says Tommy Thomason, Sikorsky vice-president civil helicopters.
The military S-92 version is heavily engaged in competitions in Portugal, Oman and Scandinavia. The Portuguese competition has included a reference mission demonstration of the helicopter's capability to perform a 1,480km (800nm) search-and-rescue round trip, including a 30min hover. This required Sikorsky to expand the envelope to a maximum take-off weight of more than 13,620kg (30,000lb). Sikorsky now plans to certificate and deliver civil and military versions by the end of 2002.
The third S-92 flight test prototype is scheduled to make its first flight shortly from Sikorsky's West Palm Beach facility. The helicopter is the first with the 400mm (16in) fuselage stretch and reconfigured tail rotor and horizontal stabiliser.
Meanwhile, Sikorsky intends to announce plans to upgrade its 14-seat S-76C+ with an integrated glass cockpit and a small increase in the power of the Turboméca Arriel 2S1 turboshafts. Other additions include tail rotor changes similar to those on the S-92.
Source: Flight International
